Lyme Disease, Naturopaths, and Biofeedback Part 1

I found out that I had Lyme Disease by visiting a Naturopath who does biofeedback.

In March of 2008, whoah it's been three years, I went to see a Naturopath on the recommendation of a friend who said she could piece together all of my vague symptoms. This naturopath uses a type of biofeedback to assess and fit the pieces together. One her website she explains biofeedback:

"Biofeedback screening and therapy:
Enables you to prevent or reduce the impact of many genetic tendencies, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer, from affecting your life. Receive a detailed list of information about allergic sensitivities, and the degree of sensitivity to which you are affected.

The technology I use was developed in the 1930's by Dr. Reinhold Voll, a German physicist who wanted to know why acupuncture was effective. His research led to the development of the biofeedback screening process which integrates Western and Eastern principles of medicine.

Your central nervous system runs on electromagnetic energy.
Bio-feedback equipment uses technology similar to the EKG equipment used to measure the heart's electrical impulses.

The screening is a completely painless process using a computer based instrument which measures the condition of your electro-magnetic system through the same meridians used in Chinese medicine to determine the status of the energetic relationships within your body.
Biofeedback therapy incorporates a unique balance between Holistic and Western medicine."

I went to her and said you know something just doesn't seem right. I have pain in my shoulder, I'm tired a lot, moody, having issues with digestion, and I just generally feel like everyone else can handle life better then I can, like somehow my body is holding me back from being as awesome as I am.

During my first scan in 2008 she was able to tell me that my amino acids were low, I had bacterial infections (she even identified the exact species), said I had problem with chemicals, my digestive enzymes were low, I had food allergies and sensitivities (she identified about 30 of them), was dealing with heavy metals, hormonal imbalances, my neurotransmitters were off, I was sensitive to molds and fungi, allergic to grasses and tree pollen, have sinus issues, and viruses, and on top of it all I had what she referred to as co-factors for Lyme Disease.

At that point she wasn't willing to say definitively that I for sure had Lyme, but I most certainly had tick born infections that fell under the umbrella of Lyme Disease and Co-infections. She said we should treat what we could and keep a close eye on it to see if it was going to develop into Lyme. I left the office with a long list of additional tests, an even bigger list of supplements and herbs to take, and a HUGE list of food I had to stop eating. I left feeling totally overwhelmed, shocked, amazed, validated, totally confused, and also happy to have a plan for feeling better.

Since then I have seen over 20 western doctors and had an endless number of tests, labs, x-rays, MRI's, stool samples, blood work, heart monitors, allergy screening, you name it I've done it. A huge percentage of what she told me was validated over and over through other methods. She's been spot on!

Soon after I started following the plan she gave me I began to feel a lot better. Avoiding the foods made a big difference in my energy, digestion, weight, skin, moods, etc. The herbs and supplements helped with the rest. For a while I felt great. Slowly I began to slide back down hill. I assumed that the stress of finishing my teaching credential, student teaching, working part time, and planning a wedding on a tight budget was just too much. I couldn't help but notice though that other people were commenting on my energy level, my constant sense of being overwhelmed, my mood swings, etc. All the while the pain in my shoulders and arms was getting worse and no amount of acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, or rest was helping.

Finally in the early Spring of 2009 I landed my first teaching job in the classroom. It was only part time and it was much easier then the long hours of working an outdoor school schedule that I had grown accustomed to. But, no matter what I did the job got harder and harder while I became more and more exhausted, overwhelmed and sick. I was picking up every single cold and flu that went around school but I was getting them worse and for longer then all the students. On top of all of that I was getting more and more symptoms. I was beginning to forget things like how to spell the words on spelling tests, the names of my students, what I had planned to teach that day, to make photo copies, to brush my teeth. I was running myself into the ground and only working 2 or 3 days a week.

Eventually I got really sick and had to call in to work over and over again for days at a time. It turned out I had pneumonia! Well no wonder I felt so crappy! That explained it. I was sick the whole time. I got on some antibiotics and hoped for the best. The best never came. My cough got so bad that I would end up vomiting. I could barely breathe, I was getting asthma attacks, choking on my own spit, and I was having a hard time moving around. I couldn't move with out coughing, I was completely exhausted, short of breath, and I was in pain and it was getting worse. After 3 rounds of antibiotics, steroids, an inhaler, asthma treatments, pain killers, and two bottles of cough syrup with codine, I ended up worse than I had started.

The pain was intense in most of my major joints and I was so week that I could barely stand up to go to the bathroom. My husband made a bed for me in the the living room so I would be able to watch movies and be closer to the kitchen and bathroom. This continued for weeks until finally the pain got so bad I was on the floor sobbing in the fetal position.

I told him that something was really wrong and I had no idea what it was and that I could no longer to take care of myself. I said I need you to do something and I need it to happen now. Please help me I feel like I'm dyeing. I suspected I wasn't, but it was the worst thing I have ever been through and it was scary.

Three months later, after seeing over 20 western drs, having tons of tests, and getting no answers I went back to see the Naturopath. I had a feeling that maybe what was going on was Lyme Disease. I am a bit of a research geek and had googled the heck out of "reaction to antibiotics". I discovered that it was most likely one of two things. Either it was an allergic reaction or a jarish-herximer reaction. I didn't have the right symptoms for it to be an allergy. It had to be bacterial die off causing my body to become incredibly toxic. So what was this bacteria? I didn't have to look too far to see that Lyme Disease was the main suspect. That was when I remembered she had said I might develop it at some point. Well guess what, steroids are the worst thing you can do if you have Lyme. It creates the perfect environment for the bacteria to grow. I had made it worse by trying to get better from the pnuemonia.

So, I drove back to Sonoma County to see the naturopath. She listened to my story, got the biofeedback equipment set up and within 5 minutes she announced, yep, you've got a raging case of Lyme.

Stay tuned for more of my experience with the naturopath.

New Treatment Plan

I visited with my Lyme Literate Dr. on the 16th of this month and came up with a new treatment plan. It was a really good visit and we got a lot accomplished. I'm so glad I have a great Dr. If you're near by and want a referral just contact me. I was enjoying only taking a few pills for a while there, but alas I am back on the 7 times a day schedule. At least it's more drops and not so many pills.

summary of visit:

• adrenal fatigue is causing me to be tired all the time
• we adjusted things to help me fall asleep faster and earlier - it's working!
• to help my skin clear up - minocycline lotion - bonus it's bacteria killing 1-2 punch!
  
• he suggested I try Alka Seltzer Gold when PMS gets really bad - hormone changes cause us to be acidic and the AS Gold will neutralize it - interesting idea - also good for detox during a herx reaction
  
• suggested CoQ10, D. ribos, L-carnitine, and/or L-taurine to decrease post exertion fatigue so that maybe I can start working out a little bit as in 10 minutes of muscle building a week
  
• we formed a comprehensive treatment plan - see below
• The best part was that he signed a form for my application to forgive my student loans due to disability. I sent them in right away and am waiting to hear if it is approved.
  

Before Breakfast:
2- Iso Court -Adrenal fatigue
Healthy Options Bar-1 - for Bartonella- I'm up to 7 drops and herxing (interesting side note - this is made in Rhonert Park, Ca only a few minutes from my home town!)
Healthy Options Bab -1 - for Babesia - I'm up to 4 drops and think it might be too much
30 drops each - Heel Brand Detox Kit - for detox of course!
2- PCI Freedom - for parasites
Minocycline ointment - for both bacteria and acne, in a lotion to bypass my sensitive tummy

Breakfast:
2- BSP 201 - shea nut oil for inflammation
1- Fish oil - for detox? I can't remember why.
1- CoQ10 - to help with post exertion fatigue
1- Vit. D - because I tested low recently

After Breakfast:
2- Quercetin/Nettle - for allergies and detox
2- PCI Restore - for parasites
1- Andro Plus - for adrenal fatigue - haven't started this yet

After Lunch:
6- Intestinal Drawing Formula - for Detox and upset tummy issues

Dinner:
2- BSP 201 - shea nut oil for inflammation
1- Fish oil - for detox? I can't remember why.
1- CoQ10 - to help with post exertion fatigue
1- Vit. D - because I tested low recently
2- Nutrivene Curcumin - for inflammation

After Dinner:
2 - PCI Cleanse
Healthy Options Bar-1 - for Bartonella- I'm up to 7 drops and herxing
Healthy Options Bab -1 - for Babesia - I'm up to 4 drops and think it might be too much

Bedtime:
4- melatonin 3mg - to help fall asleep
1- Ther-biotic Complete - probiotics for my gut
1- Naltroxone 4.5 mg - to regulate sleep cycles and help with inflammation
1/2 pump of progesterone cream - to aid in sleep and balance hormone levels

After starting this new schedule I had several days of feeling really good. I think I really needed help with adrenals and energy. I haven't been using the minocycline cream because it is the color of turmeric and made my leg bright yellow for the entire day! I'm concerned about it ruining my clothing and it looks really weird. Going to ask for a different option.

I've been slowly upping my dose of the healthy options drops for the co-infections and every time I do can tell when they hit my system. I'm achy, tired, herxy, and once I even woke up nauseous form it. This stuff is strong and works fast! I think I'm going to have to take it pretty slow. Eventually I'll add in the bB-1 for the Lyme bacteria. He's having me add them in the order of least herxing so it won't be too much. I'm guessing that last one is going to kick my butt!

These last few days I haven't been feeling as good. I'm tired again, and am having some symptom increases. My arms are aching, I've had some light headaches, my tummy is bloated (i think I need to get my food sensitivities rechecked), and my left leg is puffy and swollen. The swollen leg thing is new for me. I've heard it could be fluid retention caused by the bart-1, but I don't know for sure. I'm going to be contacting my Dr. tomorrow to ask because it's uncomfortable and I'm limping because my knees hurt. I hope there is something I can do about it. Big picture, I'm doing pretty good and I think I'm on the right path with my treatment. The herxing tells me my meds are working and in general I have more good days then I used to. I feel like I'm almost approaching the home stretch and should be making some good progress over the next few months.

I've linked to many resources for the supplements I'm taking and to information I've shared. Please check out the links if you'd like to know more and I'm always happy to have comments and questions.

Additional info on adrenal fatigue:
http://selfadjustingtechnique.com/30-symptoms-of-adrenal-fatigue/#

http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/adrenal-fatigue-questionnaires/burnout-questionnaire.html

http://www.drlam.com/articles/adrenal_fatigue.asp

Thanks for reading and taking an interest. It's nice knowing you're there on the other end.

New Tests

So I'm slowly getting back test results from my Dr. It's intersting for my scientific brain to analyze all this data about my body. I find it fasinating and so confusing.

What I understand at this point is that the tests for Lyme and co-infections are detecting less which either means the level of infection is down or my immune system is thrashed and not producing antibodies. I'm leaning toward both. Both because I think my Lyme symptoms have generally improved over time, but I'm left with some lingering damage and side effects which need to be cleaned up. But I also know that my immune system is weak because my CD-57 test results came back at 38 which isn't much of an improvement over my last one of 22 many months ago. My Dr. says it's like my immune system doesn't care and has given up.

I also tested positive for two parasites one is an unknown parasite(possibly from exposure to pets?), and the other is enterobius vermicularis which is a very common pinworm. See this site for more info: http://www.earthtym.net/ref-pinworms.htm
I'm going to need to go on an anti-parasite protocol soon, just waiting for the call on which one. He says this unknown one may be what's wrecking my digestive system. So, hopefully getting rid of these will help my gut ballance out and then my immune system can rebuild and repair. That would be really nice.

My rsults for candida came back negative. I find this part confusing becaues I've currently got a nasty case of oral thrush in my mouth which is candida. I'd like to talk more about this with him.

I had some other tests that weren't so hot, but I can't remember what they were and I'm waiting for my copies of them. I'll let you all know how it goes and what additional info I recieve.

I've also gotten the okay to reduce the number of meds I take down to the truly essential. I've been doing this for about a week now and already I feel a little bit better. I think I was taking too much and I suspect many of the things I was on were causing the digestive upset. I won't get any more specific then that. Not everyone wants to hear potty talk and I can respect that. :-)

And, finally the last change is that I'm borrowing an Earthing Band from my freind Ashley. It plugs into the gound socket of the outlet and helps to ground the electrical current of our bodies. I'm on day 4 now and I think it's helping me to sleep deeper and I think my brain fog is a bit better. I've heard lots of other Lyme patients say it's been a great tool for them so i figured I might as well try it. The science behind it makes since to me and someof my friends have done lots of research on it so hey, no harm done, why not?

For more infor on Earthing check out: http://www.earthinginstitute.net/

One more step in the right direction. YES!

Are you better yet?

People are starting to ask me this question. It seems that I've crossed some sort of imaginary line where I'm just supposed to be better now. Well guess what, I am better then I was in the Spring of 2009 when I had pneumonia, could barely walk, and was in so much pain I wanted to scream. I'm also better then I was a year ago. My energy has improved, I have more good days, I'm barely ever in pain I can't tolerate, and I can walk through the entire grocery store without my knees hurting at all.

But I'm not all the way better yet. I still require 10-12 hours of sleep a night, have issues falling asleep, my memory comes and goes, I have neurological issues like not being able to spell or type correctly (thank goodness for sell check), my digestion is way out of whack, and when I push myself too hard I pay for it with extreme fatigue, and long recovery times. But I am slowly, repeat slowly, getting better and figuring out the big picture of what is going on with my entire health, not just Lyme.

See one of the things that I think people aren't really aware of is that Lyme Disease is really just a nice tidy way to say my whole body is super messed up because I have an infection(s) that cause damage to all parts of my body, especially major organs and tissues. When I say I have Lyme I really mean that I have tick born illnesses plus other health problems that may or may not be related. The doctors who treat Lyme understand that it can affect the entire body and so they take a holistic approach to investigation, diagnosis and treatment. As symptoms come and go and treatments succeed or fail my doctors get more information about what is happening in my body. So right now I know that I have Lyme, possibly Bartonella (we know I had it at some point), candida, and adrenal fatigue. I won't be "better" until I've addressed all of those issues and it's going to take some time.

Please know that I'm planning on having a big party when I'm all better along with getting back to my previous life. I'll be sure to announce it to everyone when that day arrives. Until then, please don't ask me if I'm better yet. I promise, I'll tell you when I am. However, I do appreciate it when you ask how I'm doing today or lately. It's nice to know that you care or are concerned. Please ask me how you can support me in my journey to wellness, or when you can next spend time with me. Please tell me about what's going on in your life and please keep inviting me to things even though I sometimes can't attend, it's nice to be included. Please celebrate the small things with me and know that I'm doing everything I can to find the best doctors and the best treatments possible. I'm trying everything I think might help in hopes of finding that one thing that works for my body with my allergies, and sensitivities, and current state of health. I'm not just sitting around doing nothing. I'm fighting for my life, for my health. I may not be entirely better quite yet, but I am better then I was before and that's already a huge success.

If you are interested in another Lyme patient's perspective on this topic please check out this link: http://freeideasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/question-is-not-are-you-better-yet-but.html She has done a great job of explaining why some people with Lyme need a long time to get "better".

And here's the link to the blog of a well known Lyme Literate Dr who has another way of explaining why some of us just don't feel better even after trying lots of things.
http://www.drjerniganblog.com/articles/infections/630

Magnesium Giveaway #2

So, the guys at Remarkable Redwood Remedies were so pleased with your interest during the first giveaway they've offered up 4 more samples for you to try. They're so generous! If you missed out on the first giveaway, here's your chance to soak in some incredible magnesium chloride bath crystals.

Magnesium is so important for our bodies I can't believe I didn't know more about it before. It helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, kidney stones, heart attacks, it calms the nerves, prevents blood clots, helps with nearly all digestive and eating related issues, relaxes muscles, dilates blood vessels, keeps toxins out of the brain, relieves muscle cramps and menopause symptoms. What amazing stuff this is!

Magnesium comes in many different forms. These bath crystals are magnesium chloride. This is different from Epsom salts. It's easily assimilated and metabolized by the body, does not create an unwanted laxative effect like oral magnesium and Epsom salt can, less is required to get the desired effects, it's affordable compared to other effective types of magnesium, and trans dermal(through the skin) absorption is the most effective way to use it.

~Directions~

As a tub soak: To create a soothing, relaxing, and sensual sensation Add 2-3 handfuls to a hot bath and soak for up to 30 minutes. Initially you may experience extreme relaxation and even feel tired. This product can also be used as a foot soak.

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for the Remarkable Redwood Remedies Magnesium Bath Crystals:

*** Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and your email so I can let you know you've won ***

1. share the link to this blog post on facebook, twitter, or your blog then leave a comment for each share
http://kiwikeri.blogspot.com/2011/01/magnesium-giveaway-2.html#comments

2. share the link to the Remarkable Redwood Remedies website on facebook, twitter, or your blog and leave a separate comment for each share
http://www.remarkableredwoodremedies.com

3. leave a separate comment with a fact about magnesium chloride that I haven't mentioned

4. share your personal experiences with using magnesium chloride products

For each entry leave a separate comment. Four lucky winners will be randomly chosen on February 13th.

For more information on this product or to order some for your bath check out www.remarkableredwoodremedies.com

To see the first blog posting and learn lots about magnesium read the original blog post: http://kiwikeri.blogspot.com/2011/01/remarkable-redwood-remedies-magnesium.html

For more information and a fellow lymies take on magnesium check out the Lymenaide blog at http://lymenaide.wordpress.com/?s=magnesium

Good Luck and happy health to all of you.

What to Eat: Asian Cucumber Cups

I've never made these until tonight. I've only eaten them once. It was at a craft show that had catered hors d'vours. I though tonight I'd try to recreate them. It was really easy and very tasty.

Ingredients:

English cucumber
tomatoes
rice vinegar
gluten free tamari or soy sauce
toasted sesame oil
sesame seeds



Instructions:

1. cut 1 medium or 2 small tomatoes into the smallest and most uniform pieces you possibly can. A firm tomato and a good knife help with this. Try to make little cubes if you can. VERY LITTLE.

2. Put toms. in a small bowl and add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon each of gluten free soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar then stir till evenly coated. If you don't have all of these you can get by with just the rice vinegar.

3. Peel stripes into an English cucumber. These are the type that come wrapped in plastic. WHY? Does anyone know?

4. Cut the cucumber into thick slices about 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch. You should be able to eat it in one bit like sushi.

5. Take a small spoon a scoop out a bit of the cucumber leaving a little cup inside it. Be careful not to scoop to deep.

6. Using a spoon fill the cucumber cups with the toms and then sprinkle with sesame seeds.

7. Enjoy!

Results are light, crisp, and delicious. We enjoyed them along side a citrus stir fry. My husband liked them and asked if they were faux sushi which gave me the idea to try and add flakes of seaweed to the tomatoes for an extra bit of salty Asian flavor. Also try it with black sesame seeds for a little more fun.

I love getting comments, questions and feedback so please try it and let me know what you think.

Crustless Quiche

Here is one of the items that regularly shows up on my weekly menu at home. To most it's quiche without the crust for us it's disappearing leftovers quiche. We call it that because it's a great way to get rid of all sorts of leftovers and random nubs of things hanging around.

In this particular one I used sun dried tomato chicken sausages, potatoes, chard, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, veggie cheeses, zucchini, garlic, onion, and seasonings. It was one of the best versions I have ever made. It's so yummy and so easy to make. My husband likes it, it's filling, and makes great leftovers. You can even eat it for breakfast the next morning.



Some other ingredients that go well in this dish are:

rice of any kind or flavor
lentils
broccoli
bacon
any leftover meat
hash browns even frozen ones
yellow squash
mushrooms
quinoa
or anything else you can think of

HOW TO MAKE CRUSTLESS QUICHE:

1. preheat over to around 375

2. pull out all leftovers and assorted veggies from fridge

3. cut all veggies into small pieces trying to keep sizes uniform

4. put all your veggies into a glass pie pan, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt pepper, other seasonings ex. turmeric, Italian seasonings, garlic or garlic powder, etc. and stir until evenly coated

5. add meats and cheeses and stir again

6. fill pie pan close to full with yummy nibbles

7. Crack lots of fresh eggs, add a splash of milk (I use rice milk) and whisk. Usually requires 8-12 eggs

8. pour eggs into pie pan until all veggies and meat are covered with egg. You may need to crack more eggs if you have a lot of goodies in your pan.

9. cover with foil and carefully transfer to oven.

10. bake until mostly solid, then remove foil and bake until a knife comes out clean or the eggs in the center look fully cooked.

11. Bon appetite! (did I spell that right?)

Please try this recipe and leave a comment with your opinions, variations, suggestions, etc. I love getting ideas from others.

PS. Sorry about the quality of the photos. I've got the jewelry photography down, but I'm still working on how to photograph food. Also the lighting in the kitchen is weird. I'll figure it out someday.